Many clubs vote on best speaker each week and make it a competition. We voted not to vote, and enjoy the fact that each member can improve at their own pace and not feel like they are being compared to other speakers. Everyone's a winner!

Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, and offering constructive evaluation. Each new Toastmaster works through a manual of 10 speeches, working on the basic speaking skills, and each speech is 5-7 minutes. Generally you will write a speech roughly every 4-6 weeks. Once you've completed your first manual, you may choose two advanced manuals, further sharpening your skills.

Our club has 20 members, with 12-14 attending on a typical week. You will have an opportunity to select different meeting roles each week, eventually becoming comfortable in all roles and situations. We're a very social group with several members gathering for dinner outside the meetings, or attending the comedy club together, and the occasional buffet!